Brussels, 07/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 6 March, the Council and the European Parliament were able to find common ground on the management of the European maritime area. The informal agreement was reached after the inter-institutional trilogues and provides for the member states to draw up maritime plans as from 2021. These plans will also have to take into account a variety of different objectives, such as the promotion of maritime transport, sustainable fishing and environmental protection. Sustainable development of the maritime economy and ecosystems will subsequently be ensured in the EU.
With the motorways of the sea, fisheries, aquaculture, offshore energy, protected maritime zones, dredging, maritime tourism and blue technologies, “our seas are already full of activities and the use and demand for space is increasing” said rapporteur Gésine Meissner (ALDE, Germany). Meissner therefore supports more sustainable and co-ordinated “blue growth” through maritime area management plans. (MD)